Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Bedford
If you have pain, swelling or repeated infections around the nail, our podiatrists can help. We treat ingrown toenails safely and effectively, with both conservative care and long-term solutions including nail surgery under local anaesthetic.
Appointments are usually available within 48 hours.
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WHY CHOOSE MYFOOTMEDIC FOR INGROWN TOENAIL TREATMENT?
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems we treat. Whether your nail is mildly uncomfortable or severely infected, we provide gentle, effective care to relieve pain quickly.
- Experienced podiatrists who treat ingrown toenails every day
- Local Anaesthetic available to numb the toe
- Nail surgery available under local anaesthetic for long-term relief
- Advanced surgical options available to treat stubborn cases
- Antibiotics available
- Friendly, supportive care to put you at ease
- Appointments usually available within 48 hours
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COMMON SIGNS OF AN INGROWN TOENAIL
- Pain along the side of the toenail
- Redness or swelling
- Fluid or discharge
- Infection around the nail
- Sharp nail edge digging into the skin
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
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WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR INGROWN TOENAIL APPOINTMENT?
We begin by discussing your symptoms, how long the problem has been present and any previous infections or treatments.
Your podiatrist assesses the nail, surrounding skin, swelling and signs of infection.
We confirm whether your symptoms are caused by an ingrown toenail or another issue such as a fungal nail, thickened nail or skin fold irritation.
We outline what can be done during your appointment and advise whether conservative care or nail surgery is the most suitable approach. If a non-surgical option is chosen, we can usually begin treatment immediately.
We will talk you through the procedure, aftercare and expected healing time so you feel fully informed and reassured. All necessary pre-surgery assessments are then completed, and your procedure is scheduled. Surgical appointments are typically arranged within one working week.
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WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
An ingrown toenail is a common problem caused by the nail growing into the skin around it. The digging in effect caused by the nail can result in redness, pain and swelling.
If the skin becomes broken, bacteria can then enter the wound and cause an infection. You may experience fever-like symptoms, and you may notice a green or yellow pus-like fluid oozing out of the nail.
Any nail that curves downwards and into the skin can cause an infection, so inspect your toenails regularly and book an appointment with MyFootMedic if you’re in pain or you notice signs of infection.
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WHAT CAUSES INGROWN TOENAILS
- Nail shape or curved nails
- Trauma or stubbing the toe
- Tight footwear
- Incorrect nail cutting
- Thickened nails
- Repeated pressure during sport
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Conservative care
For mild cases, we can gently remove the problematic nail spike, ease inflammation and protect the toe with appropriate dressings. This can be done with or without a local anaesthetic. If an infection is present, antibiotics can be issued.
Nail surgery under local anaesthetic
For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, we offer nail surgery to remove a small section of the nail permanently.
- Performed under local anaesthetic so your toe is numb
- Quick, effective and long lasting
- Relieves pain and prevents recurrence
- Aftercare provided
- High success rate
- Minimal downtime required
Advanced nail surgery techniques
Our Clinical Director can perform advanced nail surgery options such as the Winograd or Fowler procedures for patients that require this treatment due to their medical history or in the rare instance of regrowth following phenolisation.
What if my ingrown toenail keeps coming back?
Ingrown toenails can become a recurrent problem that reduces your quality of life. If that’s the case, we offer a complete treatment plan that deals with infection and stubborn ingrown nails and can offer antibiotics to help fight infections.
Toenail surgery may be necessary if the nail is badly infected or the nail plate is too wide and causes recurring problems. There are two main options for toenail surgery:
A Partial Nail Avulsion is where the offending section of the nail is removed.
A Total Nail Avulsion is where the entire nail is removed, this is only recommended for severe cases.
With both options, the nail producing cells (nail matrix) will be treated to prevent the regrowth of unwanted sections of removed nail. Toenail surgery offers a permanent solution for ingrown toenails.
You may also be given prescription medicines for infection. Your Podiatrist will want to ensure that the infection is clearing, and the toe is healing properly.
This treatment has a fast recovery time and an extremely high success rate, allowing you to start living your life free of the pain of ingrown toenails.
LET'S ANSWER YOUR INGROWN TOENAIL QUESTIONS!
To fix an ingrown toenail, depends on the severity. For mild cases, we may recommend soaking the foot in warm water with salt. Wear proper footwear and trim nails straight across. If infection occurs, antibiotics may be required. Seek treatment from a podiatrist, especially for those with diabetes or poor blood flow. In severe cases, a minor surgical procedure may be considered.
If you have tried soaking your foot in warm water with salt and this hasn’t improved within a week, the fastest way to get rid of an ingrown toenail is to seek help from a podiatrist. Podiatrists are experts in nail problems and will be able to resolve the issue quickly. If you have diabetes or poor blood circulation, seek help from a podiatrist immediately.
No, an ingrown toenail does not typically go away by itself. Although some people may be able to manage it at home, treatment is usually required to alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin next to the nail and can cause redness, tenderness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to infection.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to various complications. The infection can spread to the bone beneath the nail, causing serious issues. Symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and discomfort while walking can worsen over time. In severe cases, the infection may even lead to gangrene. People with diabetes are particularly susceptible to complications and should seek immediate medical attention if they have an ingrown toenail. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage
Ingrown toenail treatment can vary in terms of pain depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment method. Conservative approaches, such as soaking the foot in warm water and teaching proper nail-trimming technique, are generally not painful. Surgical options, on the other hand, may involve some discomfort during and after the procedure, but they are usually performed under local anaesthesia to make it as comfortable as possible. The original pain from in the ingrown toenail usually resolves instantly or shortly after treatment.
If you have an ingrown toenail, there are certain signs that indicate whether it is serious or not. Some symptoms of a serious ingrown toenail include pain, redness, swelling, and pus coming from the affected toe. If there is pain or signs of infection, such as pus or increasing redness, it is important to seek professional attention from a podiatrist.
Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, severe nerve damage, poor blood circulation, or a nail infection should also consult a podiatrist for proper treatment. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you are unsure about the seriousness of your ingrown toenail.
OVERCOME INGROWN TOENAIL PAIN AND RECLAIM YOUR FEET'S JOYFUL STEPS
Are you suffering from the discomfort and pain of ingrown toenails? Look no further than MyFootMedic for expert help and relief. We specialise in providing effective solutions to overcome ingrown toenail pain, allowing you to reclaim the joy of every step you take.
Don’t let ingrown toenails hold you back – visit MyFootMedic and take the first step towards a pain-free and joyful feet!